I. A. R.: Reading Poems

This blog task is part of thinking activity given by Barad sir. You can check link here.

∆ सदियों पुराना 

तुम्हारे भीतर है

सदियों पुराना 

एक खूसट बूढ़ा

जो लाठियां ठकठकाते

अभी भी अपनी मुंछों को

तेल पिलाते रहता है

आखिर तुम कैसे

उसकी झुर्रियों के जाल से

बाहर आ पाओगी

तुम्हारे भीतर है

हमारी छटपटाती

भूखी इच्छाएं

खूनी वासनाएं

इन सबके बीच

आखिर कब तक

रह पाओगी

तुम वह मीठा झरना

जिसमें तैरती हैं

मछलियां

किनारे पर जिसके

पड़ी होती हैं सीपियां

तुम्हारे भीतर है

सदियों पुराना 

एक खूसट बूढ़ा

जो लाठियां ठकठकाते

अभी भी अपनी मुंछों को

तेल पिलाते रहता है

आखिर तुम कैसे

उसकी झुर्रियों के जाल से

बाहर आ पाओगी

तुम्हें बंद करने होंगे

वे सारे दरवाजे

जो खोल रखे हैं

उस खूसट बूढ़े ने

आखिर कोई कैसे

सदियों तक अपनी जमीन

बंधक रहने दे सकता है

Ans-> Analyzing the poem "सदियों पुराना" (Centuries Old) through the style and approach of I. A. Richards in his work on figurative language involves examining the use of imagery, metaphor, and symbolism to convey deeper meanings and emotions. Here's a breakdown of the analysis:

1. Imagery: 

-> The poem utilizes vivid imagery to evoke a sense of timelessness and introspection. Phrases like "सदियों पुराना" (centuries old) and "एक खूसट बूढ़ा" (an old man) paint a picture of longevity and endurance. The image of the old man with his stick and the fish swimming in the stream creates a contrast between the passage of time and the continuity of life.

2. Metaphor: 

-> The old man becomes a metaphor for resilience and persistence. Despite his age, he continues to perform simple tasks like oiling his mustache, symbolizing a defiance against the effects of time and aging. This metaphorical representation suggests a deeper theme of inner strength and perseverance.

3. Symbolism: 

-> The poem employs symbolism to explore themes of desire, temptation, and confinement. The "भूखी इच्छाएं" (hungry desires) and "खूनी वासनाएं" (bloody desires) symbolize the human condition of longing and craving, while the closed doors represent obstacles or limitations. The old man's ability to keep the doors closed for centuries symbolizes his resilience and ability to withstand external pressures.

4. Tone: 

-> The tone of the poem is contemplative and introspective, inviting readers to reflect on themes of time, mortality, and the human condition. There is a sense of resignation and acceptance of fate, tempered with a hint of defiance and determination.

Overall, through the use of rich imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, the poem delves into profound existential themes while maintaining a lyrical and evocative style reminiscent of I. A. Richards' approach to figurative language analysis.